Body Of Missing Newlywed Found

January 19, 1993|By Charles Mount.

McHenry — The body of Marisa Wood, 30, a McHenry woman who had been missing since October, was found Monday afternoon in a pasture about a mile from her home. McHenry County Coroner Marlene Lantz said Wood appeared to have died from a gunshot wound to the head that could have been self-inflicted.

"It does not look like a homicide," Lantz said. She said the death could be accidental or suicide.

A handgun was found near the body, Lantz said.

Wood's body was found in the corner of a pasture near Ringwood Road and Illinois Highway 120 west of McHenry.

Wood had been missing since she left home at 5429 Westshore Drive in McHenry on foot shortly after midnight on Oct. 23. She left after arguing with her husband of four days, Lawrence Wood. The couple had been drinking, authorities said.

Mrs. Wood left home carrying a .22-caliber revolver. She left a note saying she believed her husband would be better off without her.

Her body was discovered Monday afternoon by children who were sledding on a nearby hill. The body was snow-covered and clad in a jacket and pants.

Police had scoured the area around McHenry and had conducted foot searches of the Moraine Hills State Park south of McHenry where she had been fond of hiking.